Would I get any finnancial aid?

Question

Right now, I go to a community college in PA. It is my first year. first semester I go 15 credits (2.5gpa). 2nd semester i took 6 credits(1.5 gpa) and this summer I will be taking 8 more credits. I live with my parents and don't get any finnancial aid at this school. But I want to move to florida and go to a community college down there. I would be living on my own and would no longer be claimed dependent of my parents. I would be working 30-40 hrs a week and want to take 12 credits. Some of my friends up here, whose families have lower income, recieve finnancial aid not only paying for their classes but they also get $1000-1500 cash per semester. I was wondering what I would be eligible for.

Answer 1

have your parents fill out a fafsa for you, or you can.... theyll tell you how much youlll be eligible for ....you can always get student loans

Answer 2

Before you do this you need to be aware of certain things.

1. You will be charged out of state tuition in Florida, which is 4 times more than what you would pay normally.  just so you know, this won't be changed after you've been there a year or two.  So if you decide to get fin aid it may not cover this extra cost.

2. You must maintain a min GPA to get and maintain fin aid and right now I'm worried you won't be able to do that after a semester in Fl.  

3. Living on your own and working 30-40 hours a week and not being claimed by your parents on your taxes is not a factor in determining dependent or independent according to fin aid guidelines.  Until your 24 years old, married, earn a bachelors degree or a couple of other things, you have to report parents income.  Living with them or being supported by them or not.

4. Your friends who get financial aid refunds are likely paying in state tuition and not going to a very expensive school.  If you choose to go out of state, you will not get these refunds unless you take out more than is allowed with the best low interest federal loans.

choose what you want to do carefully.... if you decide to go on to a four year college in FL you will pay out of state tuition then too.

Answer 3

YOu should be eligible since you will be independent. I would recommend that you also apply for a fee waiver. Most community college and state university gives these. This means that you don't pay your tuition. Whatever you get in financial aid will be for your other expenses like rent, transportation, etc.

Good luck!